Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

US to fast track 1.5 GW of solar projects

Under President Obama’s "We can’t wait initiative", the federal permit and review processes are to be accelerated for seven solar and wind projects. Of these, five comprise solar projects worth a total of 1,550 MW.

The projects will be accelerated under Obama's "We can’t wait initiative".

White House

While a number of U.S. politicians are actively working against the integration of renewable energy in the U.S., via the introduction of such laws as the No More Solyndras Act, which would see Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantees wiped out for solar and wind projects if passed, there have also been many recent positive advancements made in the industry, including the news that 285,000 acres of public land have been opened for solar development, and the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding to develop renewable energy, including solar, on public lands withdrawn for defense-related purposes.

In another positive boost for the solar industry, President Obama announced on Tuesday, August 7 that five solar projects, comprising 1,350 MW of photovoltaics and 200 MW of CSP, will be fast tracked.

"As part of President Obama’s all-of-the-above strategy to expand domestic energy production and strengthen the economy, we are working to advance smart development of renewable energy on our public lands," said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "These seven proposed solar and wind projects have great potential to grow our nation’s energy independence, drive job creation, and power economies across the west."

The proposed solar projects are: